Title: “A Path to Planetary Well-being: The Practice of Tafakkur (Contemplation) in Nature”
Beginning: January 2023
Summary: Within the Islamic tradition, tafakkur is proposed as an analogous concept to meditation and mindfulness. However, much of the research on tafakkur practices up to now has been mainly descriptive, with an absence of consensus on operational definitions and structured interventions. The overall objective of Aybe Nur’s mixed methods research project is to explore if, and how the practice of tafakkur (contemplation) in nature, inspired by Islamic theology and modern psychology, contributes to the planetary well-being. Her research project constructs a methodology that combines empirical investigation with a phenomenological approach to develop a systematic programme for tafakkur. The program will integrate tafakkur practices and elements from mindfulness cognitive therapy in a manner that allows for further empirical studies. It may be integrated into educational curricula or implemented as a wellness scheme, with the intention of fostering well-being and healthy aging, and ideally, enhancing nature connectedness and pro-nature behavior.
Supervisors:
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Lejla Demiri, University of Tübingen, Germany
Prof. Dr. Peter Tyler, St Mary’s University, England